Microplastics found for the first time in genital area muscles. Studies reveal the link with erectile dysfunction
A study conducted on patients with erectile dysfunction has shown that microplastics are present in the muscles of the male genital area.
Scientists do not fully understand how microplastics affect a man's reproductive health, but they say the results of the most recent study raise serious concerns.
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Other studies have shown a striking link between microplastics and heart attacks.
"Since the penis is such a vascular organ, similar to the heart, we thought: 'Hey, could this be present in the penis too?'", said urologist Ranjith Ramasamy, as quoted by Insider.
Ranjith Ramasamy, a specialist in reproductive urology, wondered how the microplastics we accidentally inhale from everyday objects, including food, water bottles and household dust, could affect men's fertility.
What the doctor discovered, although the study is still preliminary, is that microplastics are present in the reproductive organs of some patients suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Microplastics were found in the penile muscle of 80% of patients with erectile dysfunction. Ramasamy's first study of this kind, recently published in the International Journal of Impotence Research, was a small pilot sample of six men, all with erectile dysfunction, each undergoing surgery for the insertion of a penile implant.
Although the study is still preliminary, it is part of a growing body of research finding that microplastics are present throughout the human body.
It is also one of the first studies to show a link between impotence and increased plastic use. Other studies have already suggested that there might be a link between microplastics and lower-quality sperm. Ramasamy wanted to find out if microplastics could have a physical impact on the penile muscle function.
At the beginning of each surgery, Ramasamy carefully extracted tissue from inside the penis—a region responsible for producing and maintaining erections. Doctors ensured that there was no plastic contamination in the operating rooms by using non-plastic surgical instruments and collecting tissue in glass containers. The tissues were then sent to two separate laboratories for analysis.
Scientists found microplastics present in five of the six samples taken. The most common type of plastic found in the penile muscles was polyethylene terephthalate or PET, a common plastic used in food packaging, including plastic bottles and food containers. Polypropylene, used in the manufacture of plastic bottle caps, was also found.
